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IPI condemns latest attacks on journalists

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(IPI/IFEX) - Vienna, 8 August 2011 - The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), condemns the latest attacks on journalists in Kosovo.

On 3 August 2011, there were two separate incidents involving physical attacks against journalists.

Shkodran Gajrakuand, a journalist for TV Klan, and Veton Ethemi, a cameraman, were beaten by firefighters when they tried to film a fire in a cemetery in Vushtrri/Vucitrn. They were obliged to seek medical treatment.

Nedjeljko Zejak, Pristina correspondent for the Belgrade-based daily Pravda, was verbally and physically attacked in Gracanica/Graçanicë by a Kosovo politician's advisor and her bodyguard. The advisor allegedly disliked an article published in the paper the previous day.

"SEEMO believes that physical attacks are not the way to express dissatisfaction with media coverage. There are other legal channels to present complaints," said Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General. Vujovic called on the Pristina authorities to investigate both cases. "Unpunished attacks on journalists are not acceptable in a democratic society," he added.

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